Filing a New York LLC Online via Business Express
The fastest way to form your New York LLC is filing online through the NY Business Express portal. Online filings are processed in 5-7 business days with immediate confirmation. This page walks through the exact process. For the overall formation guide, see How to Form a NY LLC.
About NY Business Express
NY Business Express (https://www.businessexpress.ny.gov/) is the New York Department of State's online business filing system. It handles:
- LLC Articles of Organization (formation)
- Name reservations
- Amendments and other post-formation filings
- Certificate of Publication filing
- Entity searches
Step-by-Step Online Filing
1. Create an Account
- Go to https://www.businessexpress.ny.gov/
- Click "Create Account"
- Provide name, email, create password
- Verify email
2. Start LLC Formation
- Log in and select "File LLC Articles of Organization"
- The system presents Form DOS-1336 in an online interface
3. Complete the Form
- LLC name — with proper LLC designator
- County — where your principal office is located (determines publication requirements)
- Service of process address — where DOS mails served documents (your address or agent's)
- Optional agent for service of process — name and NY address (if designating one in addition to DOS)
- Duration — perpetual or specific end date
- Effective date — filing date or future date (up to 60 days)
4. Pay the Fee
- $200 filing fee
- Optional: $25 for 24-hour expedited processing, $75 for same-day
- Payment by credit card or e-check
5. Submit and Confirm
- Review all information
- Submit — receive electronic confirmation number
- Your Articles enter the DOS processing queue
6. Check Status
- Log back into Business Express
- Check filing status: pending, filed, or rejected
- Once filed, your LLC legally exists
Online vs. Mail Filing
Ready to get started?
Get Started| Factor | Online (Business Express) | |
|---|---|---|
| Processing time | 5-7 business days | 2-4 weeks |
| Expedited available | Yes ($25 or $75) | Yes (for additional fees) |
| Payment | Credit card / e-check | Check or money order |
| Confirmation | Immediate electronic | None until processed |
| Status tracking | Real-time online | Call (518) 473-2492 |
After Online Filing is Approved
- Start the publication process immediately — you have 120 days but publication takes 6+ weeks
- Contact your county clerk for designated newspaper list
- Arrange publication in one daily and one weekly newspaper
- Draft your operating agreement (required within 90 days)
- Apply for EIN
FAQ
Is NY Business Express available 24/7?
The website is accessible around the clock. Filings submitted outside business hours enter the queue for the next business day.
What if I make an error?
If caught before processing: contact the DOS to attempt withdrawal (fee is non-refundable). After filing: file Articles of Amendment (DOS-1369, $60) to correct errors.
Can I file the Certificate of Publication online too?
Yes. After completing your newspaper publication, you can file Form DOS-1337 (Certificate of Publication) through Business Express with the affidavits from newspapers. Fee: $50.